Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a bushy perennial herb in the mint family that has been used in food for over two thousand years. Oral ingestion of lemon balm may help reduce anxiety and depression and improve sleep. Supplementation with lemon balm can also improve blood lipids and blood pressure. When applied to the skin, lemon balm may help with cold sores.

Quick Answer

What it is

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a bushy perennial herb in the mint family that has been used in food for over two thousand years. Oral ingestion of lemon balm may help reduce anxiety and depression and improve sleep.

Key findings

  • Grade A: PMS Symptoms (Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS))
  • Grade B: Anxiety Symptoms (Stress)
  • Grade C: Depression Symptoms (Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS))

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Lemon Balm

Quick Facts: Lemon Balm

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:14
  • Research Outcomes:55
  • Grade A Findings:1
  • Grade B Findings:1
  • Key Effect:Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Outcomes by grade:
A1
B1
C5
D2
14 conditions Β· 55 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
A
PMS Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
C
Depression Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
B
Anxiety Symptoms
Large Improvement
large↓Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
↓Improves
C
Aggression
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Anxiety Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Insomnia Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
C
DNA Damage
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study
↓Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Large Improvement
large↓Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Sleep Disturbance Signs and Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Sleep Duration
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sleep Efficiency
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sleep Latency
1 study
↓Improves
?
Sleep Quality
1 study
↑Improves
?
Stress Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
C
Aggression
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Anxiety Symptoms
↑Worsens
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Insomnia Signs and Symptoms
↑Worsens
D
Blood glucose
No effect
1 study
none
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
5 studies
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
5 studies
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
5 studies
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
4 studies
↓Improves
?
Insulin
4 studies
↑Worsens
?
Blood Pressure
3 studies
↓Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
3 studies
↓Improves
D
Pain
No effect
none
?
Quality of Life
1 study
↑Improves
?
Anxiety Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Alertness
Moderate Detriment
1 study
moderate
?
Stress Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Memory
↑Improves
?
Working Memory
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Alertness
Moderate Detriment
1 study
moderate
?
Anxiety Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Attention
1 study
↑Improves
?
Processing Speed
1 study
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
↑Improves
?
Memory
↑Improves
?
Working Memory
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Alertness
Moderate Detriment
1 study
moderate
?
Attention
1 study
↑Improves
?
Processing Speed
1 study
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
1 study
↑Improves
?
Insomnia Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Cramps
↓Improves
?
Anxiety Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Insomnia Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Cold Sore Symptom Severity
↓Improves

Research Citations (16)

Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties
PMID: 12888775
Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm)
PMID: 12062586
Effects of lozenge containing lavender oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat on electrical brain activity of volunteers
PMID: 15546807
Effects of Melissa officinalis L. on oxidative status and DNA damage in subjects exposed to long-term low-dose ionizing radiation
PMID: 20858648
The Effect of Melissa Officinalis Extract on the Severity of Primary Dysmenorrha
PMID: 29844788
Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances
PMID: 22207903
Effect of Melissa officinalis capsule on the mental health of female adolescents with premenstrual syndrome: a clinical trial study
PMID: 29369810
Effect of Melissa officinalis Capsule on the Intensity of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms in High School Girl Students.
PMID: 26339667
Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)
PMID: 15272110
The effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on depression and anxiety in clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis
PMID: 34449930

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